Will merge with the Open Architecture Network to develop a robust center for applied innovation and sustainable development.
San Francisco, CA (September 19, 2011) Architecture for Humanity is honored to announce the acquisition of Worldchanging, a leader in solutions-based journalism, and to merge its assets with the Open Architecture Network to create a robust and informed network to bring solutions to global challenges to life.
It’s an exciting match, since design increasingly includes discussions of policy and planning, communication, social justice and science; issues that once fell outside the traditional bounds of architecture are now at the heart of professional practice. Bringing these two worlds together is a logical next step in sustainable development.
Cameron Sinclair, Executive Director of Architecture for Humanity, says, “We are thrilled to connect with the Worldchanging community in order to expand the ways we can continue to make a difference across the world. Each project we do requires innovative solutions, resourcefulness, and passion. It’s a perfect fit.”
Architecture for Humanity is thankful to the Board of Directors of Worldchanging for their hard work in helping create a smooth transition.
“I am grateful to the Worldchanging Board of Directors for their active stewardship of Worldchanging during this transition” said Stephanie Pure, Board President of Worldchanging. “Thanks in part to this positive team effort, Worldchanging has a bright future with Architecture for Humanity.”
Over the next six months Architecture for Humanity plans to transform their current Open Architecture Network (www.openarchitecturenetwork.org, an on-line network that empowers architects, designers, builders and their clients to share architectural plans and drawings, into a robust platform that provides dialogue and tools to support a shared vision of a more sustainable future across sectors. The combined strength of these communities, both created out of the TED Prize, will help spur innovation, learning, and best practices.
The new site, which will be managed by an independent entity, will include project management tools, offer case studies on innovative solutions and provide tools for aid and development organizations evaluate their programs in the field.
"Last decade was about imagining the solutions that could help us meet big planetary problems," said Worldchanging co-founder and former Executive Editor Alex Steffen. "This decade will be all about putting those solutions to work. This exciting new version of Worldchanging is set, I believe, to become the online epicenter of applied innovation."
Over the summer, Architecture for Humanity met with over sixty writers, contributors, stakeholders and supporters to envision the transition of these sites. “Worldchanging has helped frame the global conversation on sustainability over the past seven years, and we couldn’t be more excited for Architecture for Humanity to take the reins and continue to push the boundaries of what we can achieve together,” Worldchanging co-founder Jamais Cascio noted "I can't imagine Worldchanging being in better hands."
Many of the original writers to Worldchanging, including co-founders Jamais Cascio and Alex Steffen, have signed up to contribute to the new site. We look forward to a bright green future together.
About the Acquisition
In November of 2010, Worldchanging announced it was taking steps to close its doors and dissolve as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Since then, the Board of Directors has been working hard to find a new future for the site. As with the dissolution of all 501(c)3s, the Board is required to transfer the assets of Worldchanging, including this website, to another like-minded organization. The Board committed to finding a new home for all the valuable essays, stories, and learning accumulated through the seven years of Worldchanging’s efforts so they could continue to be a catalyst for future discussions and information sharing on how we can build a bright green future.
The Worldchanging Board of Directors embarked on a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) selection process and found Architecture for Humanity to be the ideal match in terms of mission, vision, impact, and importantly, the organizational and technological capacity to run a program such as Worldchanging. Architecture for Humanity presented the most compelling of vision and was selected by the Board of Directors.
About Worldchanging
Worldchanging is a nonprofit media organization dedicated to solutions-based journalism about the planetary future. http://www.worldchanging.com
About Architecture for Humanity
Architecture for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit design services firm founded in 1999 that seeks to build a more sustainable future through the power of professional design. Through a network of building professionals, Architecture for Humanity brings design, construction, and development services to communities in need. For more information: http://architectureforhumanity.org/
Press Contacts:
Architecture for Humanity
Diana Bianchini
310.288.0077 | press@architectureforhumanity.org
Worldchanging
Stephanie Pure
206.931.7873 | stephanie@stephaniepure.com
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